Saffron Pistachio Donuts Recipe – Easy Air Fryer Indian Style

Last Updated on 1 month by Neha Deshmukh

Saffron Pistachio Donuts Recipe – Easy Air Fryer Indian Style

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you love a good donut. But have you ever thought about infusing that classic treat with the warm, fragrant flavors of India? Well, get ready, because these Saffron Pistachio Donuts are about to become your new obsession! I first made these for a Diwali celebration with my family, and they were a huge hit. They’re surprisingly easy to make, especially with the help of an air fryer, and the delicate saffron-infused glaze is just… divine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your average donuts. We’re taking a classic and giving it a beautiful Indian twist. Here’s what makes them special:

• Unique Flavor: The combination of cardamom in the dough and saffron in the glaze is simply magical.
• Air Fryer Convenience: No deep frying! The air fryer makes these donuts healthier and easier to make.
• Beautiful Presentation: Garnished with pistachios and rose petals, these donuts are as stunning as they are delicious.
• Festive & Fun: Perfect for celebrations or just a special treat.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful donuts:

• ?? cup warm milk (about 240ml)
• 2½ tsp active dry yeast (about 7g)
• 2 tbsp sugar (about 25g)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (about 250g)
• ½ tsp salt (about 3g)
• 1 tsp ground cardamom (about 2.5g)
• 2 tbsp melted butter (about 30ml)
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup unsalted butter (about 113g), for the glaze
• 1½ cups powdered sugar (about 150g)
• 1 pinch saffron threads
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (about 15ml)
• 2-3 tbsp hot water (about 30-45ml)
• 2 tbsp crushed pistachios, for garnish
• 1 tbsp dried rose petals, for garnish

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few tips to ensure everything comes together perfectly:

• Warm Milk & Yeast Activation: Make sure your milk is warm, not hot! You want it to be around 105-115°F (40-46°C). This temperature activates the yeast without killing it. If it’s too cold, the yeast won’t activate; too hot, and you’ll kill it.
• All-Purpose Flour & Cardamom Blend: I love using all-purpose flour for this recipe, but you can experiment with bread flour for a chewier donut. Don’t skimp on the cardamom – it’s what gives these donuts their signature Indian flavor!
• Saffron & Rose Water in Glaze – Aromatic Infusion: Saffron is precious, so a little goes a long way. Blooming it in hot water releases its color and flavor. Rose petals add a beautiful floral aroma and a touch of elegance.
• Regional Variations in Donut Styles: While donuts aren’t traditionally an Indian sweet, we have plenty of similar treats! Gulab Jamun and Jalebi both offer that sweet, fried goodness. This recipe is a fun fusion of East and West.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking (or, rather, air frying)!

1. Activate the yeast by mixing warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, until it gets nice and foamy. This means your yeast is alive and kicking!
2. In a larger bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cardamom.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let it proof in a warm place (or even in the Instant Pot on the “Yogurt” setting – just don’t turn it on!) for 30-40 minutes, or until doubled in size.
6. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and roll it out to about ½-inch (1.25cm) thickness. Use a donut cutter (or two different sized cookie cutters) to cut out the donuts and holes.
7. Place the cut donuts and holes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them proof again for another 30-40 minutes, until they’re puffed up.
8. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Cook the donuts at 330°F (165°C) for about 4 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown.
9. While the donuts are air frying, prepare the glaze. Melt the butter in a saucepan. Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar, saffron (bloomed in hot water), lemon juice, and enough hot water to reach your desired consistency.
10. Dip the warm donuts into the glaze, then garnish with crushed pistachios and dried rose petals.

Expert Tips

Want to take your donuts to the next level? Here are a few pro tips:

• Achieving the Perfect Dough Consistency: The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of milk at a time.
• Air Fryer Temperature Control for Even Cooking: Air fryers can vary, so keep an eye on your donuts during cooking. If they’re browning too quickly, lower the temperature slightly.
• Glaze Consistency – Getting it Right: You want the glaze to be thick enough to coat the donuts but thin enough to drip slightly. Adjust the amount of hot water to achieve the perfect consistency.
• Working with Saffron for Maximum Flavor & Color: Blooming the saffron in hot water is key! Let it sit for at least 15-20 minutes to release its full flavor and vibrant color.

Variations

Let’s get creative! Here are a few ways to customize these donuts:

• Vegan Saffron Pistachio Donuts: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) and use plant-based butter.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly.
• Spice Level Adjustment (Cardamom Intensity): If you really love cardamom, feel free to add a little more! Start with an extra ¼ teaspoon and taste as you go.
• Festival Adaptations: For Holi, add a pinch of natural food coloring to the glaze for a vibrant hue. For Diwali, you could add a touch of nutmeg or cloves to the dough.

Serving Suggestions

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh! Serve them with a cup of chai or a glass of cold milk. They’re also perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed within the first day, as the glaze may start to soften over time.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• Can I make the donut dough ahead of time? Yes! You can make the dough a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
• What is the best way to incorporate saffron into the glaze? Blooming the saffron in hot water is the best way to release its flavor and color.
• Can these donuts be baked instead of air fried? Yes, you can bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, but they won’t be as crispy as air-fried donuts.
• What type of oil can I use if I don’t have melted butter? You can use vegetable oil or coconut oil as a substitute.
• How do I prevent the donuts from absorbing too much glaze? Make sure the donuts are slightly cooled before dipping them in the glaze.
• What is the significance of rose petals and pistachios in Indian desserts? Rose and pistachio are classic Indian flavors, often used to add fragrance and elegance to sweets.
• Can I use different nuts for garnish? Absolutely! Almonds, cashews, or walnuts would all be delicious.